This is frustrating...

[Rottentofu]

I love my relatives and friends. That's why I do my best to bring to their awareness the violences that are happening around us everyday. I don't straight out recommend them to acquire a firearm to defend themselves if the need ever arises. I simply throw out suggestions such as pepper spray, security cameras, security system, or something as simple as getting a baseball bat. I was, however, met with an unreasonable amount of resistance. I was called paranoid. My friends find it difficult to believe that a violent event could ever happen to them, much less an event that would require them to defend themselves with a deadly weapon. They simply refuse to believe, thinking bad things only happen in movies and to other people.

I am frustrated because I actually cared. The last thing I wanted is to wake up one morning to find out that someone I care about dies from a violent encountered and that death could've been avoided had that person heeded my advices. I would hate myself for not doing something about it.

I feel like I should do something, but don't know what else to do.

[Agent 0range]

Ask them if they think you're paranoid for wearing a seatbelt. You probably don't expect to get into an accident, but prepare for the possibility by wearing it in the car.

[DDM4556]

Ask them if they think you're paranoid for wearing a seatbelt. You probably don't expect to get into an accident, but prepare for the possibility by wearing it in the car.

This^

After that, give up. You can't force them to protect themselves. You can't inject someone with logic. You've done your part and the rest is up to the man upstairs.

[BigStiCK]

Sheep.

[davegonewild]

Maybe try visiting them late one night with a ski mask.

[Oceanbob]

OP.

You're a good man and a concerned citizen.

Thank you

Bob.

[Walking Fire]

They don't drive cars, they use Green Mass transit that uses no fossil fuels, Or ride the little yellow bus and wear helmets...

[bountyhunter]

I love my relatives and friends. That's why I do my best to bring to their awareness the violences that are happening around us everyday. I don't straight out recommend them to acquire a firearm to defend themselves if the need ever arises. I simply throw out suggestions such as pepper spray, security cameras, security system, or something as simple as getting a baseball bat. I was, however, met with an unreasonable amount of resistance. I was called paranoid. My friends find it difficult to believe that a violent event could ever happen to them, much less an event that would require them to defend themselves with a deadly weapon. They simply refuse to believe, thinking bad things only happen in movies and to other people.

It's called denial. Most people can only cope with the world by building up a buffer of denial around themselves and using it to shield themselves. It's effective right up until something bad happens.

[NorCalFocus]

Simply remind them that murder victims are only victims once.

[Divernhunter]

You cannot save everyone from their own stupidity.
Try and then let it go and do not beat yourself up over it.

Something to consider. When something strikes close to home for them they will come running for help. Then you can help them since they will be ready then to accept your advise/help. That is the way sheep are. You cannot change it.

I have had people tell me I have enough ammo and guns to start a war. I politely tell them "No but I can keep one going".

[TRICKSTER]

Do they have any type of insurance policy? If they do, ask them why.
If they still can't figure it out, well, you tried.

[Bigtwin]

Some people just can't be reached. You did what you could do. There is likely not much more you can do to wake them up.

[Rottentofu]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. I just need to get it off my chest. I will keep trying though. Least I can do is talk to them.

[RandyD]

My first thought is the probability of being a victim of violence is minimal, but that can change. My second thought is, let your friends have a right to believe whatever they want to believe. Further, you need to respect their choices and let them assume whatever risks they want to assume.

[jdouglas]

Do they have fire extinguishers in their houses? Have they EVER actually needed one? Might as well throw those out too. After all that's what the fire department is for..